Aston Villa could be set for a busy fortnight as Unai Emery reportedly looks to reshuffle and restructure his defence with two potential outgoings and two incomings.
Villa have already confirmed the signing of Donyell Malen this month, and with Jaden Philogene departing to create space for the Dutchman and balance our books, we’ve already made a smart upgrade to the squad in the attacking third.
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That process looks set to continue in the January transfer window, as Fabrizio Romano reports that while Villa have now secured a deal to sign Andres Garcia from Levante in a swoop worth €7m, our next priority target is Sevilla centre-half Loic Bade.
Our double swoop is once again with a view of strengthening the squad and improving on what we already have at Emery’s disposal, with Diego Carlos expected to leave as he nears a move to join Fenerbahce, while Romano adds that Kosta Nedeljkovic could leave on loan.
In the case of Carlos, it makes sense to move him on this month if we receive a suitable offer, as at 31 years of age, with 18 months remaining on his current contract and given he has been injury and error prone, it’s felt as though we can get better in that area of the team moving forward, and if a deal can be struck to sign Bade, hopefully the Frenchman proves to be the ideal solution.
For Nedeljkovic, given his lack of playing time so far this season and his inexperience, a loan move is a sensible option for him to get regular playing time and develop his game, and hopefully that in turn leads to him having a long-term future at Villa, rather than ending up being the forgotten man in the battle for the right-back position.
Garcia will provide competition and cover for Matty Cash and is seemingly more prepared for that having featured for Levante consistently, albeit in the second tier of Spanish football, but Emery, Monchi and our scouting team have evidently spotted something they like in the 21-year-old, and hopefully he emerges as another solid option.
Should Villa complete these touted moves, it has to be said that our squad would arguably be a lot stronger and better suited to Emery’s demands, and so hopefully, if these are considered by the hierarchy as moves that would make us more competitive, hopefully we’re able to get them done in good time before the end of the month.